Name: Crème Brûlée French Toasts Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 loaf unsliced white bread, brioche or rich bread of your choice (about 9 inches, yields 6 slices); 1 1/3 cups whole milk; 2/3 cup heavy cream; 4 large eggs; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt; 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur, or 1/4 teaspoon orange zest; 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2/3 cup granulated sugar

Print Recipe·4 from 4 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the luxurious sweetness of crème brûlée in a breakfast dish, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crème Brûlée French Toasts Recipe. Imagine thick, custardy slices of rich bread soaked in a fragrant vanilla and orange-infused custard, baked to perfection, and then crowned with a gleaming, caramelized sugar crust that crackles delightfully with each bite. It’s a beautiful marriage of creamy decadence and crisp caramel that turns any morning into a celebration. Trust me, once you try this recipe, standard French toast will never quite measure up again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows four slices of bread placed on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. The bread has a golden-brown crust with a light, airy inside. A woman's hand is pouring a creamy, pale yellow liquid evenly over one slice in the center of the plate, creating a smooth, dripping texture as it spreads over the bread. The background is softly out of focus, highlighting the rich color and texture of the bread and liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Crème Brûlée French Toasts Recipe is surprisingly simple, but each ingredient plays a starring role in creating its incredible flavor and texture. From the rich cream to the fragrant vanilla, every element is essential for delivering that silky custard inside and perfectly caramelized shell on top.

Unsliced white bread, brioche, or rich bread of your choice: Thick slices are key for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess that keeps the custard tender yet light.
Heavy cream: Essential for that luscious, velvety texture.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard dip.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and forms the caramel topping.
Fine sea salt or table salt: A pinch brightens flavors and balances sweetness.
Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur (or orange zest): Adds a lovely citrus warmth and complexity.
Vanilla bean or vanilla extract: The soul of the dish, infusing every bite with fragrant vanilla.

How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toasts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Start by whisking together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, salt, and your choice of Grand Marnier or orange zest. If you have a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Whisk those seeds into a tablespoon of the custard, then gradually incorporate that vanilla–custard mixture back into the main bowl. This simple step ensures gorgeous distribution of vanilla without annoying clumps.

Step 2: Slice and Soak the Bread

Cut your loaf into generous 1 1/2-inch thick slices—about 6 slices from a 9-inch loaf works wonderfully. Arrange the slices on the smallest rimmed tray you can fit them on in one layer to maximize custard absorption. Then, gently pour the custard over the bread, allowing them to soak for 30 minutes. Flip the slices once partway through so both sides get fully infused. If you’re prepping ahead, you can soak the bread overnight in the fridge without flipping.

Step 3: Bake to Custard Perfection

Heat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the soaked bread slices with a little space between them so they bake evenly without sticking together. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway if you like, until the centers set but remain tender—test by inserting a slim knife and checking it doesn’t release wet custard.

Step 4: Caramelize the Topping

Here’s where the magic happens. Melt the remaining sugar in a small heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring until it turns a golden honey color. Carefully spoon the hot caramel over each toast slice, spreading it thinly and evenly with an offset spatula. Be swift but cautious—caramel hardens quickly and can burn easily. Don’t worry about any drips; just let them cool and harden naturally for a clean up that’s much easier with a quick soak in hot water later.

How to Serve Crème Brûlée French Toasts Recipe

The image shows five thick slices of toasted bread arranged on a white tray with handles. Each toast has a golden-brown crust and is glazed with a shiny syrup that drips down the sides. On top of each slice, there are small clusters of fresh berries including red raspberries, black blackberries, and blue blueberries, adding a bright contrast to the warm tones of the toast. The tray sits on a dark speckled surface, highlighting the rich color of the toasts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh berries are the perfect bright, fresh contrast to the rich custard and caramel top—think raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. If you want to spoil yourself just a little more, a dollop of lightly whipped cream adds an airy silkiness, but honestly, the toasts are luscious enough on their own.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded brunch, pair this French toast with crispy bacon or sizzling sausages. The savory saltiness complements the sweet, creamy flavors beautifully. Alternatively, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette keeps things fresh and balances out the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

To really impress, serve the slices on a rustic wooden platter with berries scattered around and a small bowl of whipped cream on the side. Or drizzle a small amount of good-quality honey or orange syrup for an extra citrus kick. For gatherings, stack the toasts slightly overlapping on a large platter and let guests crack the caramel topping themselves with a small spoon for an interactive experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The custard-soaked bread will keep its beautiful texture, and it’s easy to revive later.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover toasts by placing parchment paper between slices and sealing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 1 month, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes to warm through and slightly crisp up the caramel again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the delicate texture and crackling sugar topping.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this Crème Brûlée French Toasts Recipe?

Absolutely! Brioche or challah works beautifully, but you can also use any rich, sturdy bread that absorbs custard well. Just make sure the slices are thick and firm to hold up during soaking and baking.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar?

In this recipe, the sugar is melted directly in a pan and spooned over the toast, so no torch is necessary. This avoids extra equipment and still creates that signature hard caramel crust.

Can I prepare the custard and soak the bread the night before?

Yes! Soaking the bread overnight in the fridge is a great time-saver and actually enhances the custard flavor since the bread has longer to absorb it without flipping.

Is it okay to omit the Grand Marnier or orange zest?

You can, but the citrus note adds a lovely brightness that balances the richness of the custard and caramel. If you omit it, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep the heat moderate when melting sugar and stir constantly. Once it reaches a golden honey color, remove it from heat immediately to avoid going too dark. Working swiftly to spoon and spread it onto the toasts also avoids burnt spots.

Final Thoughts

This Crème Brûlée French Toasts Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy to the table and warmth to the heart. It transforms breakfast into a moment of indulgence and comfort, with every bite bursting with creamy custard and caramelized delight. So go ahead—grab your favorite loaf, whisk that custard, and make some magic happen in your kitchen. You absolutely deserve this kind of deliciousness in your life!

Crème Brûlée French Toasts Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need